The 10 best horror films of 2023… so far

As we approach the halfway point of 2023, the year is looking up in terms of horror. This category has now been redefined by filmmakers such as Ari Aster, Robert Eggers and Jennifer Kent. The independent and grounded story has now gone mainstream.

“Smile” was one of the big hits of 2022, based on a short film by its director, which was bought by Paramount and realized as a feature film. The genre is finally, for horror fans, experiencing a renaissance.

Smile was considered one of the best horror films of the previous year

This year’s horror films followed in the footsteps of their predecessors and gave audiences something to finally scream about… literally. The following films according to critics brought a new freshness to the genre by using a modernized independent style of storytelling and scary imagery.

Clearly the films on the list below didn’t scare all viewers. “M3GAN“, for example, had potential for something much better while many commented that “The Pope’s Exorcist” bordered on funny and the infamous “Renfield” wasn’t that horror. But who are we to go against the majority of critics?

Let’s take a look at the 10 best horror films for 2023 and hope for even better ones in the time left.

10. The Boogeyman
Based on the 1973 Stephen King short story of the same name, this film explores family ties and grief while incorporating supernatural elements. It offers inventive ways to scare audiences, with special effects and cinematic shots.

9. Renfield
Nicolas Cage plays Dracula in this horror comedy, offering a fresh and silly take on the gothic nature of the original Dracula story. Nicholas Hoult’s performance as Renfield was deemed excellent, adding to the film’s appeal to modern audiences.

8. M3GAN
The film presents a self-awareness within the horror genre, using a creepy doll that turns into a killer. It combines horror, violence and comedy to tell a compelling story with a dramatic tone.

7. The Pope’s Exorcist
Surprisingly, this film about exorcism was a hit, thanks to Russell Crowe’s committed performance and the film’s faithfulness to the source material and the real Vatican exorcist, Father Gabriel Amorth.

6. Infinity Pool
Directed by Brandon Cronenberg, this atmospheric film stars Mia Goth and Alexander Skarsgård. It offers a tense and technical experience for audiences, though it may not be suitable for everyone.

5. Scream VI
As a continuation of the long-running franchise, the film brings nostalgia and new twists to the beloved horror series. The character of Ghostface continues to captivate audiences, with unexpected and relevant developments in the story.

4. Knock at the Cabin
Knock at the Cabin is one of the most successful films made in recent years. Directed by M. Night Shyamalan, it stars Dave Bautista and Rupert Grint as a couple who face armed strangers who demand a sacrifice to save the world. The film offers intense moments and showcases Bautista’s dedication to a more serious role.

3. Skinamarink
With a low budget and raw cinematography, this unique and stylish film directed by Kyle Edward Ball tells a claustrophobic narrative. It proves that the power of imagination can be more effective than visual effects.

2. Beau Is Afraid
From acclaimed director Ari Aster, this psychedelic film stars Joaquin Phoenix as a character exploring his deepest fears. Not considered exclusively horror, it delves into the subconscious and presents abstract manifestations of intimate fears.

1. Evil Dead Rise
Evil Dead Rise is considered the scariest film of the year. The sequel to the “Evil Dead” franchise deviates from the original formula, but retains the elements of the demonic story and history. New characters, locations and scary imagery make it a standout horror film.